‘Deficits Put U.S. on Sale’

I read that after four days of negotiations the Japanese failed to agree to allow foreign contractors a limited participation in Japanese public works market (Part I, Feb. 21).

So what is new? For years the Japanese bowed, smiled, made promises to the naive Americans, and at the same time carried on their predatory trade policies. It’s no longer a problem of the U.S. being swamped with Japanese products without being given a fair chance to enter the Japanese market. It is no longer the $40-plus billion annual trade imbalance with Japan--it is the problem of Japan’s slow invasion into the bedrock of our economy. Quite recently the Bank of Tokyo bought Union Bank, and the Japanese Bridgestone bought Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. The Japanese also own a good chunk of Los Angeles real estate, scores of businesses and banks, and probably half of Hawaii’s businesses, either overtly or covertly.

How long are we going to tolerate the Japanese invasion? It is time for action, starting right now.

ALEX MURASZEW

Rancho Palos Verdes